Sunday, November 9, 2008

NATIONAL VETERANS AWARENESS WEEK

This Tuesday, November 11, 2008, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States. The president has declared November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week and encourages all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers.

Great Britain, France, and other countries celebrate November 11th as Armistice Day to commemorate the ending of World War I on November 11, 1918.

Canada celebrates Remembrance Day on this same date.

The history of the Veterans Day in the United States is as follows:

1919 - President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day to remind Americans of the tragedies of war.1938 - The day becomes a federal holiday.1954 - Congress changes the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all United States Veterans.

Today, in the United States, Veterans Day commemorates the courage and patriotism of all the men and women who have served in the United States military.

Veteran’s Day Tribute

by Joanna Fuchs

When America had an urgent need,

These brave ones raised a hand;

No hesitation held them back;

They were proud to take a stand.They left their friends and family;

They gave up normal life;

To serve their country and their God,

They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace

On strange and foreign shores;

Some lost new friends;

Some lost their lives

In long and brutal wars.Other veterans answered a call

To support the ones who fought;

Their country had requirements for

The essential skills they brought.We salute each and every one of them,

The noble and the brave,

The ones still with us here today,

And those who rest in a grave.So here’s to our country’s heroes;

They’re a cut above the rest;

Let’s give the honor that is due

To our country’s very best.

God bless America and our men and women in uniform and their families for all that they have sacrificed for us.

As Veteran's Day approaches, 67 Year Old Tony Rose and his lawyer are wondering what additional rocks they have to look under to find his lawful Social Security Pension.

He was born in Canada and his family moved to New York when he was a child and became dual Canadian and US Citizens. After Tony's Navy discharge he worked in the US for over 3 decades, paying state and federal taxes and Social Security.

In 2006 when Tony applied for his pension he was informed that the US Department of Homeland Security had revoked his US citizenship and did not recognize his Canadian citizenship. He has attempted to resolve this matter for over 2 years and has been without a pension during that period.The Social Security Administration will not begin his pension payments until his citizenship issue is resolved. He has been trying to work this matter through a lawyer, the VA, his local representatives in government (congressional level) and directly through the Social Security Office.

No one seems to know what to do, who should take action and who has responsibility. Letters directly to the presidential campaign received no response. The Inspector General of the US has been notified and Tony has camped out in his local Congressional Representative's Office on numerous occasions and been turned away.

The veteran has lived in the United States since 1946 having moved from Windsor, Ontario, Canada to Detroit Michigan with his family that year at the age of 5 years old. He attained dual citizenship in Canada and the United States and received a valid US Social Security Number. Tony served in the Armed Forces of the US honorably and has paid state and federal taxes to include social security from 1963 to the present in the United States of America. He is still paying those taxes at his current part time jobs.

At this writing, Mr. Rose has been given no indication by the US Government that his case is being examined by anyone who can take a responsible course of action, schedule a hearing or otherwise determine the bottom line in this matter. His lawyer, who is working pro bono, is totally frustrated and each of the agencies involved has stated the other should be responsible to do something.

Tony lives at the Hastings Minnesota State Veteran's Home and works locally at the 2nd Street Coffee Shop and the Animal Ark

A wonderful tribute to those who have faithfully served our country---we do owe them our great respect and gratitude. It was enlightening to read the history of Veteran's Day, as well. Thanks for another inspiring and educational post, Judy!

This is a big day for me. My mom works in a vets hospital and I help out with the tribute there every year. They are a brave bunch of men and women. I can't thank enough for all they've done for our country.

Thank you for your tribute and reminder of what our service men and women have done for us! My two oldest brothers served in WW II and my next oldest brother served during the Korean conflict, and my youngest brother served in 1959-60. They were all in the army and served proudly.Warmest regards,Ruby

The Department of Veteran's Affairs has the graphic, too, and I linked back to it so others could get the info there. We do think alike.

Tragic about that guy who worked so long in the US and thought he had dual citizenship. I don't think that happens unless you are born to a US citizen. I think only the UK citizens are the only ones who can have dual citizenship by marriage. My friend from Germany wouldn't give up her German citizenship...wonder if she will get social security. hmmm. Another friend was from England and she is the one who told me about the dual citizenship thing.

Yes we need to pay tribute to our veterans. There is a price to pay for freedom, not only have they lost their lives but has left a void in the loved ones left behind. As we bow our heads in a silent prayer to them let us remember we have many in uniform that are still in harms way, so we pray for them also, God bless America.

LIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL

Hi Folks and welcome to my blog. I am a retired lady that enjoys writing about my home state of Kentucky and anything that I think you might find interesting. I am retired from Kentucky State Government. I love to travel, read, write and meet new people. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will return again and again.